Avalanche Forecast
South Rockies
Forecast new snow and wind are expected to create fresh wind slabs reactive to human triggers.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.
- Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.
Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Rising freezing levels and daytime warming have been triggers for recent large, loose wet snow releases. Once moving, a loose, wet release may have the potential to trigger a slab on a deeper weak layer.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth from above and below.
- Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Rising freezing levels have caused the recent 10-15 cm of storm snow to become moist up to about 2000 m, with minimal overnight re-freeze. Below 1400 m in some areas, rain has soaked the snow surface.
Multiple crusts exist within the top 100 cm of the snowpack. Some parts of the region may have a surface hoar layer roughly 60 cm deep on north aspects at treeline.
A well settled midpack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: 5-10 cm new snow. Moderate southeasterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1300 m.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 1900 m.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1900 m.
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New snow and wind will form thin slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features. These slabs may be touchy were they sit on a recent crust.